Thomas Barber

Thomas John Barber, 75, of Gunnison and Westminster, Colorado, passed away on March 16,after complications from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), also known as Prion Disease.Tom was born on March 14, 1950, to James Dellis and Mary Viola (Bryan) Barber. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Janice Elayne (Talmadge) Barber on December 12, 1968. They shared six children, James Matthew, Peter Johanan, Regina Janelle, Jacob Daniel, Jared David, and Janna Elizabeth, as well as numerous foster children, including Alexis Diane Lozano-Barber. Tom served as an elementary school social worker for thirty years. Together, he and Jan impacted countless children through their work in foster care, church, and other institutions. Tom was a championship boxer who coached many of his students, including all six of his children, to championship victories. He found great joy in God’s beautiful creation and passed this appreciation on to his family. His love for the Lord and deep faith were instrumental in bringing many to Christ and in strengthening the faith of his fellow Christians. His dynamic personality and sense of humor lit up any space he inhabited. The world is dimmer without him.Their son Pete preceded Tom in death in 2010. Tom is survived by his wife, five children, eighteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him, and the many, many people whom he helped.